CFIA Issues Warning for Alasko Brand Raspberries

Health officials are advising the public not to consume, sell, or serve specific Alasko brand frozen, whole raspberries across seven provinces. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) launched a foodborne illness outbreak investigation that triggered the recall after illnesses linked to the consumption of these items were reported.

The advisory applies to products bearing the lot number LOT# SY25314, purchase order code PO#138602, and a best before date of Nov. 10, 2027. Distributed broadly, these frozen berries reached households as well as hotels, institutions, and restaurants.

Norovirus Symptoms and Health Guidance

The recall stems from potential norovirus contamination. The highly contagious virus causes vomiting and diarrhea, with symptoms typically appearing as early as 12 hours following exposure. Additional symptoms often include stomach pain, nausea, cramps, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, and a low-grade fever.

While no prescription treatments exist for norovirus, most individuals recover within two to three days without enduring lasting health impacts. However, severe vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises affected individuals to drink plenty of fluids, noting that severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid administration. Anyone who suspects they became ill from these products should reach out to their health-care provider.

Ongoing Investigation and Disposal Instructions

Specific details regarding the location of the outbreak or the total count of sick individuals have not been disclosed. The CFIA is verifying that the marketplace removes affected items and noted that its ongoing investigation could trigger additional product recalls. Consumers and businesses holding the recalled raspberries should either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

Economic Indicators Slump as Job Losses Mount

British Columbia’s economic landscape is facing heightened pressure as major financial metrics decline across the province. As of August, employment dropped by 16,400 positions, pushing the overall unemployment rate up by 0.4 percentage points to 6.5 per cent. Additional provincial indicators reflect a broader slowdown: real GDP growth expectations have been lowered from 1.3 per cent to 0.9 per cent, housing starts fell 9.3 per cent, home sales dropped six per cent, and the population decreased by 0.9 per cent. Meanwhile, annual inflation reached 2.9 per cent.

Despite these downturns, certain sectors showed resilience. B.C. saw a 4.2 per cent rise in total international exports—even as shipments bound for the United States fell by 6.2 per cent—and retail sales expanded by 1.9 per cent.

Deficit Reaches Record $13.8 Billion

The province’s projected deficit for the 2026/27 fiscal year has expanded to nearly $13.8 billion, marking an increase of $450 million over the estimate published in the February budget. Newly appointed Finance Minister Josie Osborne, who assumed the cabinet portfolio in mid-August from Brenda Bailey, presented the quarterly financial update on Monday, Sept. 14.

Although the government recorded an extra $887 million in personal income tax receipts beyond original projections, that gain was largely consumed by $614 million in unexpected wildfire suppression costs. Furthermore, provincial figures were revised downward following the discovery of an accounting mistake regarding natural gas royalty revenues, which cut projected revenue estimates by almost $1.5 billion over five years. Fiscal forecasts indicate deficits will remain high at roughly $12.2 billion in 2027/28 and nearly $11.5 billion in 2028/29, driving total provincial debt past $235 billion by 2029.

Global Pressures and Local Reactions

Osborne attributed much of the fiscal strain to international economic volatility, including ongoing trade disputes with the United States involving a 50 per cent tariff on roughly $30 billion in Canadian goods, conflict in the Middle East, and stricter federal immigration policies. The current projections incorporate the U.S. tariffs but exclude potential Canadian counter-measures.

Opposition figures and business groups raised sharp concerns regarding the province’s direction. Peter Milobar, leader of an unnamed breakaway group from the B.C. Conservatives, pointed out that state spending continues to climb despite delays or cancellations of major capital investments, such as a Burnaby hospital expansion and multiple long-term care facilities. Milobar also questioned why the government allowed its tariff-response legislation, Bill 7, to expire unused; Premier David Eby previously stated the province deferred to federal leadership on tariff responses. Additionally, Gavin Dew, B.C. Conservative Finance Critic, argued the administration suffers from a spending problem, while Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President Bridgitte Anderson warned that government expenditures are growing faster than the supporting economy.

Escalating Trade Conflict Hits Athletic Goods

Cross-border tariffs between Canada and the United States are placing new financial burdens on businesses and athletic programs, prompting sports organizations and companies on both sides of the border to call for an immediate end to trade duties on athletic gear.

The current trade friction intensified following the collapse of trade negotiations in mid-August. The following day, U.S. President Donald Trump placed 50 per cent duties on $28 billion worth of Canadian imports, encompassing items such as hockey gear, golf products, gym equipment, and fishing rods and parts. In response, Canada enacted retaliatory tariffs on Sept. 8 that hit several athletic lines, including golf gear, fishing equipment, track suits, ski suits, and swimwear.

Local Retailers Face Cost Spikes Passed to Consumers

Retailers are already feeling the direct pinch of these policies. Mark Macaulay, head of procurement at Home Run Sports in Winnipeg, explained that Canadian retaliatory tariffs directly impact his inventory from American suppliers in Louisiana and Pennsylvania, hiking import costs by 50 per cent compared to pre-Sept. 8 pricing.

Macaulay warned that if these tariffs persist into late fall or winter, his business may be forced to delay or cancel product shipments. He noted that higher wholesale expenses cannot be absorbed by the retailer and will inevitably be passed on to customers through elevated retail price tags, potentially pushing consumers toward alternative brands that fall outside the scope of the tariffs.

Concerns Over Rising Costs and Participation Rates

Industry advocates caution that elevated costs could stifle public activity. Aneysha Bhat, spokesperson for the Washington-based Sports and Fitness Industry Association—which represents over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and athletic leagues—emphasized that affordable access is essential for growing participation in active, healthy communities. The association is urging both federal governments to return to the bargaining table to reopen negotiations.

South of the border, concerns are growing that levies placed on Canadian imports will further elevate already high hockey equipment prices. In response, Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s secretary of state for sport, stated that the federal government aims to protect families needing gear for youth sports involvement. While not identifying specific hard-hit sports or regions, van Koeverden indicated the government is evaluating overall impacts across sectors, consulting with national sport organizations to encourage Canadian procurement, and exploring domestic manufacturing solutions.

Riyadh Nazerally, a spokesperson for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, acknowledged via email that U.S. duties generate uncertainty for Canadian manufacturers, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises. He noted that federal efforts remain focused on helping businesses manage liquidity challenges, protect jobs, and maintain operations. Meanwhile, Hockey Canada issued a media statement expressing full support for federal efforts to address the tariff dispute while monitoring the situation’s potential impacts on the national hockey community.